ExhaustGasTemperatureMonitorForAnInternal

CombustionEngine

INTERIMREPORT

By:

JamesBoileau V00738149

SawyerPahl V00731863

LudiLing V00737324

GarvinRuus V00688254

KurtisNewman V00241647

SubmittedonOctober16,2012

Dept. Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Victoria

All rights reserved. This report may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without the permission of the author.

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TableofContents1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................1

1.1 ExhaustGasTemperature...............................................................................................................1

1.2 FormulaSAE....................................................................................................................................1

1.3 UVicFormulaMotorsportteam......................................................................................................2

1.4 UVicEngineTuning.........................................................................................................................2

1.5 MotivationforMonitoringEGT......................................................................................................7

2 DesignConcept......................................................................................................................................8

2.1 ExhaustGasTemperatureSensor...................................................................................................8

2.2 DataRecording...............................................................................................................................9

3 Conclusions..........................................................................................................................................10

3.1 ConcludingRemarks.....................................................................................................................10

3.2 ProjectMilestones........................................................................................................................11

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1 Introduction

1.1 ExhaustGasTemperatureOur ELEC 399 project will be to design and build an Exhaust Gas Temperature data

collection system for the UVic Formula Motorsport racecar. The ability to measure the

EGT’s of each cylinder and then output those analog temperature signals to a graphical

interface will help the UVic Formula Motorsport tune the engine. Monitoring EGTs

against RPMs (Revolutions per Minute) will give a good indication of how lean or rich

the engine is running. (Lean when the air to fuel ratio contains a lot of air. Rich when the

air to fuel ration contains a lot of fuel.)

This report will introduce the FSAE competition and give a brief description of the

University of Victoria’s team. Then it will give a brief overview of engine tuning using

UVic’s tuning software. The report will then move on to describe EGTs, possible

sensors, various data collection methods and then detail our projects milestones and

timeline.

1.2 FormulaSAEThe Society of Automotive engineers has more than 132,000 members – engineers,

business executives, educators, and students – from more than 97 countries.

Recognizing the need for engineering students to gain practical experience, the society

has been hosting an annual design competition known as Formula SAE since 1981.

The competition calls upon teams of university students to conceive, design, and

fabricate a small formula-style race car, and compete against other universities in a

number of static and dynamic events.

Design is governed by tactful restrictions, with the intent of stimulating the students’

ingenuity and imagination. Each car is designed, built, and tested over the period of

one year. Throughout the process, students develop their skills in design, analysis,

fabrication, project management, budgeting, and leadership.

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1.3 UVicFormulaMotorsportteamThe UVic Formula SAE team was formed in 2001, competing for the first time in 2002.

Our team has successfully competed in one international Formula SAE collegiate

competition every year since then. Each year our design and fabrication processes

capitalize on the lessons learned from the previous year. This has resulted in

significantly improved results. We produced the second fastest Canadian time in the

Autocross event at 2012 FSAE Michigan. Every year the team strives to improve the car

and their performances in each competition event while developing the necessary skills

to run a race team.

This year the team plans to attend Formula SAE Lincoln from June 19th-22nd at the

Lincoln Airpark in Lincoln, Nebraska. For this, the team is designing and building a new

car, which we have named UV13. With the accumulation of knowledge and experience

through the years, the team is in a position to strive for excellence.

UV13-Design Targets:

Target weight of 500lbs (previous iteration was 527 lbs)

Superior cockpit ergonomics for a variety of driver sizes

Ability to swap out engine / rear end in less than 1 hour

Production quality, fit, and finish

Enhanced use of data acquisition and analysis system

1.4 UVicEngineTuningUVic Formula Motorsports uses a Naturally Aspirated Honda CBR 600 F4i fuelled by 94

Octane pump gas. Our team has plans to switch over to Formula Electric, however,

UV13 will continue using the Honda CBR. As mentioned above, the specifications of the

car, including the engine, are regulated by strict set of rules. A significant rule requires a

restrictor be placed to limit the power capabilities from the engine. The restrictor cannot

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exceed 20.0mm and it must be placed in between the throttle and the engine so that all

of the air must pass through it.

The restrictor is significant because it drastically affects the Air to Fuel ratio (AFR) thus

affecting the internal combustion within the cylinders (ie: power). While this restrictor

limits the amount of horsepower the engine is able to produce, we are able to tune the

engine to compensate.

When tuning the engine we monitor the engine using a Dynamometer (dyno). The

combination of the dyno and UV13’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) allows us to monitor

several engine characteristics simultaneously. The ECU used is called Megasquirt3 and

will be briefly described later on. The characteristics observed are gathered from

various sensors throughout the vehicle and output to a Software platform offered by

Megasquirt3 (MS3). During one engine test we can simultaneously observe the

following vs time:

- Manifold Air Temperature (MAT)

- Manifold Air Pressure (MAP)

- Coolant Temperature (CLT)

- Throttle Position (TPS)

- Air to Fuel Ratio (AFR)

- Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)

- Horsepower (HP)

- Torque (TRQ)

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Figure 1 –Sample Output to Megasquirt3 software interface

There are basically three variables within our control using MS3 software when tuning an engine.

- Spark Timing,

- Injector Timing

- Volumetric Efficiency (Volumetric efficiency is a ratio of the quantity of fuel and air mixture that enters a cylinder during the intake stroke to the actual capacity of the cylinder in static conditions.)

Figure 2 – Fully Sequential 720 deg timing for Otto Cycle

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Figure 3 – Injector Timing from MS3 interface

The Otto Cycle of each cylinder happens throughout 720 degrees of Cam Shaft rotation

see Fig 2. This rotation is monitored using a CamSensor and is communicated to the

ECU. Fig 3 shows the human interface device where the injector timing can be varied.

Generally all of the fuel should be injected into the intake manifold 10 degrees prior to

the valves opening. This varies with different RPMs and with different fuel loads.

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Figure 4 - Volumetric Efficiency Table from MS3 interface

This human interface device allows you to manipulate the ECU’s targeted air to fuel

ratio for various rpms. See Fig 4.

Figure 5 - Spark Advance Table from MS3 interface

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This interface allows you to control how early the spark ignites before the cylinder

reaches top dead center. Adjusting this without understanding engine timing can

damage an engine. See Fig 5.

1.5 MotivationforMonitoringEGTGenerally speaking if the Exhaust Gas Temperatures are high this indicates that the Air

to Fuel Ratio (AFR) are lean and that there is too much air in the mixture. If the

temperatures are low it indicates the AFR is rich and that there is a surplus of fuel in the

mixture.

The above is not always true. In some situations if the AFR is too lean the combustion

temperature can go down. In some combustion situations if there is far too much

oxygen in the reaction the temperatures can go down, even though it is leaner. For

example in acetylene combustion reactions the oxygen can be increased enough so

that the flame will go out.

It is also worth noting that an extremely efficient combustion reaction will produce some

of the hottest flames. Generally when observing EGTs one should be aware of the

extremes.

A clear benefit of knowing the EGT per cylinder is that you can see disparities between

each cylinder. Ideally each cylinder will have a similar EGT. If the temperatures are not

within 50°-100° C the cylinder can be tuned separately so that they are acting under the

same conditions. Having similar EGTs within each cylinder will help smooth out the

power distribution to the crankshaft. This can help the engine last longer and most likely

output more power.

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2 DesignConcept

2.1 ExhaustGasTemperatureSensorWe are currently researching different types of temperature sensing devices that we can

use in the exhaust ports. There are several different temperature sensing devices that

can be used for this application, each with their own pros and cons. The most

commonly used devices include:

· Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD),

· Thermistors, and

· Thermocouples.

The resistance temperature detection device is a very fine wire encased in a container,

or bulb. When the temperature of the bulb changes, the electrical resistance in the wire

changes proportionately. By passing a small current through this wire and measuring

the resistance, the temperature can be determined. The advantage of using an RTD is

they are a very accurate temperature sensing device however, at the same time they

can be delicate if not handled carefully. According to different sources, using RTD’s is

not generally recommended for rough service (like on a kart). Moreover, due to the

extremely high temperature of the exhaust gas temperature (EGT), an RTD that would

be able to withstand this temperature could be costly.

Thermistors again are extremely accurate in determining temperature however they too

are limited by exposure temperature. They are recommended for temperatures between

50-120 degrees Celsius.

The final device for temperature measurement is the thermocouple. There are several

different types of thermocouples, using different materials for different temperature

ranges, but they all operate by similar means. A thermocouple consists of two wires, of

different materials fused together. For the high temperature range the thermocouples

will be exposed to in the exhaust ports, the type K thermocouple appears to be the most

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suitable thermocouple with a maximum exposure temperature of 1900 degrees

Fahrenheit. In a type K thermocouple one wire is an alloy called Chromel, and the other

an alloy called Alumel. A small portion of each wire is exposed and the two are fused

together. This section is encased in an electrically insulated sheath and the other ends

of the wires are connected to a very sensitive voltmeter. When the fused end of the

thermocouple wire is heated, it generates its own current. The voltage generated is an

accurate indicator of the temperature of the end of the thermocouple once proper

calibration is done. One of the biggest advantages of the thermocouple is its durability.

With no delicate parts to break, unless you exceed their maximum temperature, they

are extremely tough to damage. Thus, when determining which type of temperature

sensing device we use, we will have to consider two main constraints. These

constraints include making sure to not disrupt the flow of exhaust through the headers

and ports upon installation and making sure the sensors will be able to withstand the

exposure temperatures. These constraints will require further design research.

2.2 DataRecordingIn order to interpret the EGT data incoming from each temperature sensor, a

microcontroller will need to be incorporated into the system. The microcontroller needs

to be able to take in at least 4 analog inputs, one for each sensor, as well as be able to

output the data to a display to give the user visibility to the sensor readings. Currently

there are two options available for consideration:

1. Using the car’s existing ECU, Mega-Squirt 3 Engine Management System.

2. Using an external Arduino microcontroller.

Using the Mega-Squirt 3 Engine Management System (MS3) has considerable benefits.

The MS3 has onboard data logging capabilities and saves the data to an SD card,

which can then be read on a laptop using MS3 software. The MS3 is also able to

communicate live data through a serial connection to a laptop. The FSAE team regularly

uses this system during testing to get readings on things like fuel consumption and

spark timing. It would be beneficial to the team if the EGT measurements were

displayed concurrently with the other test measurements on the MS3 software. The

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MS3 however, has only 1 available 0-5V analog input. This creates a potential problem,

as our project requires 4 separate analog temperature readings from the exhaust

header.

The second option requires using an external Arduino microcontroller to read the

temperature sensors. Unlike the MS3, the Arduino has enough inputs to read all 4

analog temperature signals. The Arduino is able to display live data to a laptop using

MATLAB. Downsides of using an external controller are the engine will have to be

stationary during testing, and the data would be displayed in a separate location than

the other measurements being tested.

3 Conclusions

3.1 ConcludingRemarksThis report has outlined the basic design strategy of an exhaust gas temperature

monitoring system. The motivation of this project is to improve engine efficiency and

performance for the UVic formula SAE racecar. By implementing an EGT monitoring

system, the FSAE team will have more visibility to the engine’s behavior, allowing the

team to better tune the engine for performance. By implementing the design strategy

outlined in this report, we expect to have an operational EGT monitoring system at the

end of the project. Our current design challenges are to determine the optimal thermal

sensors to use for EGT measurements, and to design a microcontroller based system

that can record the data from the sensors, and present it to the formula SAE team in an

effective manner.

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3.2 ProjectMilestonesA detailed project plan with dates is summarized in Table 1 and Figure 6.

Table 1: Summary of tasks and dates

Tasks Planned Completion Date

Actual Completion Date

Complete background research 12-10-12 12-10-12

Report 1 – project introduction 12-10-16 12-10-16

Further studies on the project – price, tools, parts and designs

12-11-05

Order parts 12-11-05

Model making and testing 12-11-18

Website design 12-12-02

Final report 12-12-02

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Figure 6: Project milestones